When the Israelites were exiled, the land finally got what it needed: Sabbath rest. The land “enjoyed” its newfound lease on life because it kept a Sabbath. The land ceased. It got the break God so desired it to have. The implication, of course, is that the Israelites did not give the land a Sabbath when they occupied it. They stole from the land. And they stole from the land by not taking any breaks. Because they never ceased, the land could never cease. Thus, because of their workaholism, Israel was sent into exile.
